LOS ANGELES - For the past two weeks, "Rocky Top," the Tennessee fight song, has periodically blared over the loudspeakers at UCLA's practice field, a not-so-subtle reminder that the Bruins' season opener was approaching.
The music stopped Thursday - partly because of a power failure at the facility - but the Vols were not far from the thoughts of those on the field.
UCLA went from theory to practical application in preparing for its Sept. 1 season opener against Tennessee at the Rose Bowl. With that came the need for information.
Tennessee has a first-year offensive coordinator in Dave Clawson and a quarterback, Jonathan Crompton, who threw only 12 passes last season.
"It's difficult and we're probably trying to cover too much," UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker said. "But you have to because you're not really sure what they're going to come out with."
The Bruins faced the same problem in last season's opener against Stanford, which had first-year Coach Jim Harbaugh. Walker and the defensive staff studied tapes of the University of San Diego, where Harbaugh had coached the previous season.
This August, they are getting their fill of Richmond tape, as Clawson was the Spiders' head coach in 2007.
"We're gathering up as much tape as possible," Walker said. "Scheme is scheme. We know there can be differences from last season, but it's the Southeastern Conference. We know they are going to bring great players and you have to get your guys lined up."
Babes in Westwood: Coach Rick Neuheisel said that nine incoming freshmen would be part of the Bruins' game plan against Tennessee.
Tailback Aundre Dean, tight end Cory Harkey, receiver Nelson Rosario and receiver Antwon Moutra will be on offense. Safety Rahim Moore, defensive back Tony Dye, cornerback Aaron Hester, defensive end Datone Jones and linebacker Sean Westgate will be on defense.
Receiver Taylor Embree is also expected to play this season, Neuheisel said, but he has been limited in practice while recovering from a shoulder injury. Embree went through seven-on-seven drills Thursday.
Sloan gets noticed: The search for silver linings has almost been a daily exercise for the Bruins. But one could be found in the concussion suffered by middle linebacker Reggie Carter.
In his absence, redshirt freshman linebacker Steve Sloan improved his standing considerably.
"I think I proved I can play if Reggie ever goes down," Sloan said. "I was getting reps with the first team and second team. Doing that really got my cardio up, but it also gave me experience. Instead of watching film of someone else playing out there, I was seeing everything first hand. You learn more when you play."
Twice during training camp, Sloan's aggressive style angered Bruins running backs, to the point where they threw the football at him after the whistle.
That kind of recommendation by an offensive player can look good on a middle linebacker's resume.
Specialty items: Neuheisel said that Terrence Austin and Raymond Carter would handle the kickoff return duties. Austin and Ryan Graves will return punts.
As for who will kick off, Neuheisel said that Jimmy Rotstein was "leading that contest, but we'll see." Rotstein, a walk-on, handled the kickoff chores last season.
Kia update: Tackle Micah Kia (broken left hand) suited up for practice, but did not participate in drills. The Bruins still hope Kia will be ready to play in the opener, but Neuheisel was unsure how much practice time Kia would require to get ready.
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Comments » 82
txsvol#372416 writes:
How many seniors and juniors will be starting? Go Vols! SAVol
redstickvol writes:
Some very interesting names for some of the guys on UCLA's team. It would be nice if we had their last names as well though. AundreDean, AntwonMoutra, DatoneJones, and MicahKia are all quite unique (said with the most sarcastic tone possible). Come on KNS, get your *@#^ together, and proof read your stories before you publish them. I know it was 2:35 in the morning, but I'm typing this at 4:30 (Central Time), I don't seem to have any typos, and I'm not a journalist. Bush League. AUDRIE!!! (That one is for all you Anchor Man fans.)
el_duderino writes:
Buyin my student season tickets riiiiiight... NOW!
Orangebrewbasher writes:
txsvol, why are u up at 2:45am, are u a drunk shift worker?
miamiVOL writes:
Tennessee: 47
UCLA : 16
SemperVol writes:
Tennessee: W
UCLA: L
hueypilot writes:
While we're talking about underclassmen, I saw where Georgia will start at least four and maybe five offensive linemen who were not starters last year. How do you achieve consensus preseason number one status with an untested offensive line?
Go4Two writes:
Country
You are wrong Cal was loaded last year. They didn't get it done but not for a lack of talent
Hunter writes:
redstick, I taught some kids with names like that once.....
Go Vols, beat the Cubs.
MrBamSeydu writes:
foreverorange: have you ever heard of the "time zones"? or maybe people NOT having the bedtime of a 12 year old child?
MrBamSeydu writes:
but on the topic of this article.....
I feel like UCLA will play with us for 1 quarter and neither team will look too impressively sharp until the Vols open up a 21 point lead early in the 4th quarter. Mark it down. Vols 34 UCLA 13
CoverOrange writes:
I'll be dissappointed if UCLA scores more than 10 on our 1st or 2nd string defense. I hope the Offense scores early and often enough that the 3rd string gets in.
Maybe SAVol was out delivering babies or working the ER late shift. What business is it of anybody's?
jmbigorange#280428 writes:
HUEYPILOT @ 9:21... I've been asking myself that same question.
Volchaz writes:
We'll see what Georgia is made of when they visit ASU. Can anybody remember UGA playing a game outside of the south? That is a make or break game for them. The young OLine will be exposed...
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
UCLA can not run the ball on us. They sure as heck can't throw with some 4th string chicken little facing the beasts from the east.
Question is... how will our offense stack against their defense? I'll take yemmusdarb's point of view for the most part... maybe a little more koolaid though!
VolGraduate writes:
country410:
do you even follow the vols? we averaged over 33 pts a game last year while our qb had an injured finger...and cal was loaded with talent....
Moaninglikeheck writes:
Here in Louisiana, many people work rotating 12 hr shifts in the oil/chemical industry and their hours do not jive with the rest of civilization on certain days. Same story in parts of Texas. Nothing to see here, move along.
I read an interesting article this morning, forgot the link, but it pointed out that even as Tennessee has "underachieved" the past 5 or so years, Fulmer's team records over that period are still the envy of 100 Div-1A schools. The truth is, Tennessee has operated at its "baseline" in recent years and the 10 years prior to that when things were so great we were "overachieving". The only true blip in the radar was 05, and in a 16(??) year span of Fulmer's tenure, one losing season is pretty darn commendable.
UCLA will be our whipping boys. SEC competiton might be tough, but this game should be a cakewalk.
DennisVols writes:
Our defensive secondary will scroe 2 TD's in the UCLA game.
jmbigorange#280428 writes:
Volchaz... I think the big story for the UGA vs ASU game will be can the ASU offemsive line protect Carpenter. They gave up the most sacks last, 58 i think. If they can't protect him look for UGA to do what they did to hawaii. They'll be in the backfield all day long. UGA will have a good defense.
Volfan1 writes:
Georgia hasn't played that far West since 1960 vs. USC (and lost). It will be interesting to see how they adapt. And if it's hot in Tempe, it's a different heat than in the south.
knoxtenor writes:
I hear they're placing ads in the LA Times looking for replacement players. Sheesh!
threehundredbowler writes:
country410.There is a cure for you and others that are tired of watching Phillip and the Vols underacheive.It is called GO THE HELL SOMEWHERE ELSE AND PULL FOR ANOTHER TEAM.You and people like you are not needed as fans.
VolFan_n_NC writes:
Speaking of UGA, they received their #1 ranking before all of their big name injuries / suspensions. It was unanimous on Gameday that if they were to re-rank the teams, they would barely be a top 5 team. Either way, we need to focus on UCLA and put on a good showing for the SEC. We are a much better conference top to bottom and the CAL game last year was an embarrassment. Go VOLS!
VolFan_n_NC writes:
People need to stop complaining about Fulmer.. I'm not saying he is a perfect coach by any means, but Tennessee has remained a very competitive team in the hardest conference in college football while he has been head coach (except for 05). Plus, name a legit replacement.
Ralph_Crampton writes:
Rick, the UCLA coach is very much like a poker player...he's not about to show his hand, The Bruins are made out to be a MASH unit..but lookout, Vols could be involved in a donnybrook of a tit for tat game that will go down to the wire. Fulmer has proven he can do it, if he keeps his team focused...A few years ago Vols traveled to Miami Florida in the golden years of the Hurricanes and was decided underdog. After all, few teams had ever gone to the Canes home (Orange bowl) and beat them. The Vol team flew to Miami focused on beating the favored Canes, had brief workout, went back to hotel, retired early, The Vols were determined to win the game and scored a shocking upset 10-6 over the fifth ranked team in the nation. Out gunned by superior talent, the never say die Vols hung on for dear life and pulled off the win. They immediately flew back to Knoxville. This game in my opinion, was Fulmers greatest coaching job since he has been coach of the Vols. They flew in under radar, so to speak, and stunned the Canes.They stayed focused...no, they never saw the sights of gaudy Miami, their only intent was to upset Miami, and they did in a no nonsense business like manner.
jasonn1970 writes:
I don't see how a team picked 2nd in the SEC East at their own conference's media event and with so many changes in the offensive line could be the #1 team in America.
Ralph_Crampton writes:
ITS FUnny..the more UCLA puts out information about their injured players the lower odds are. Right now, the Vols are five point favorites and may go down to three at kick-off time. The gamblers are well aware that the Vols do not play well in California...and the odds attest to that belief.
jmbigorange#280428 writes:
sjt18 @ 11:24... As much as i like to see the SEC play well in non cnoference games, seeing UGA lose to ASU would not hurt my feelings. That will mean that the media will jump ship and start fawning all over UF again.
DaVols writes:
Hey bf502,
that's RN's retirement you're talking about! That guy has been nothing but trouble at every U he's coached. He's a gambler...
TN - 29
UCLA - 24
mgdchvol writes:
country410
Watch out! Your ignorance is showing!
jmbigorange#280428 writes:
sjt18... I like UGA more than the Gators also. I also agree with UGA going possibly 9-3 or 8-4 and that was before they had all these issues. With a green offensive line, a QB that only has a 54% comp percentage, Dinged up RB's, and no proven WR's, i don't see a SEC Championship caliber team much less NC caliber. I don't want UF winning the SEC East this year either but if they do i would love a win against them to get this monkey off our backs. That would ease the pain.
EricBerryIsYourFather writes:
The spread on sportsbook is Tenn -7 and 94% of the action is on the Vols to cover. Where do you all get your betting numbers?
EricBerryIsYourFather writes:
Sorry 97% is on the vols to cover
VOLatile writes:
sjt and bigorange....I hate both UGA and FU..sorry
I meant UF
VolGraduate writes:
for a ut fan to say they like florida or georgia more than the other is the same as saying i prefer herpes over syphilis...both suck and should be hated by all...a better question is who do you hate more?
VOLatile writes:
volgrad...right on...hate BOTH passionately!
VolGraduate writes:
i root for both to lose every game. there's none of the "i root for the sec" in me when it comes to those two
if i had to pick who i dislike more it would be florida...only b/c they beat us more often than not...in recent history
Volchaz writes:
Its interesting to think that GT has won a NC more recently than UGA. I think Coach Johnson is going to make some serious waves in the ACC this year. Love to see them beat UGA.
TommyJack writes:
Words can't describe my loathing of UF. I've never seen more arrogance in any sport. Ever.
rusty_shackleford writes:
I've been to both Gainesville and Athens and, By FAR, the women are prettier, the beer is colder, and the BBQ taste better in Jawja.
iwastherein98 writes:
BigFan is definitely not a big gambler. Tenn. is a 7 to a 7.5 favorite depending on the service. Also, lines don't move based on professional gamblers. They move because chumps like you think they know everything and bet $20. It adds up to a lot more than professional money.
http://covers.usatoday.com/data/odds....
jmbigorange#280428 writes:
VolGraduate... Good analogy. I like the herpes or syphilis comparison. What would that make Bama? Genital warts?
iwastherein98 writes:
Thw women may be prettier in Georgia but the jean shorts are bluer in Gainesville.
P.S. Have some state pride. The barbecue is best in Memphis
EricBerryIsYourFather writes:
bama is aids
CoverOrange writes:
Bama is hemmoroids, the others you get by having some kind of fun.
SemperVol writes:
Rammer Jammer, I like a Feller!
Give 'em Yellow Jaundice, Alabamer!
rusty_shackleford writes:
iwas, to be perfectly honest the best BBQ is in Lexington, NC, even though I've never turned down a big chopped pork plate from Porky's. Between the two, GA beats FL....gator Q is too greasy for me.
VolGraduate writes:
bama is probably one of those diseases on oregon trail that never happens anymore like dysentery or typhoid fever.
clcvol writes:
bama is crabs..you can get that from a toilet seat..
VolGraduate writes:
the real corky's in memphis serves pulled pork
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